Transaction token that exhibits indication-related detectable changes on the transaction token

ABSTRACT

In certain embodiments, indication-related detectable changes on a transaction token may be facilitated. In some embodiments, a transaction card may determine a state of the transaction card (e.g., during an interaction with a transaction terminal). The transaction card may generate a signal related to a color based on the state of the transaction card and cause the signal to be transmitted to a change element of the transaction card. The change element may be configured such that the change element causes one or more edges or other portions of the transaction card to be (i) a first color in response to the signal being a first signal and (ii) a second color in response to the signal being a second signal. As an example, the portions of the transaction card may turn red when the signal is a first voltage and green when the signal is a second voltage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/785,927, filed Feb. 10, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/536,536, filed Aug. 9, 2019. The content of theforegoing applications is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a transaction token, including, for example, atransaction card configured to indicate a transaction status during atransaction session, a transaction card configured to facilitateindication-related detectable changes (e.g., color change), etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Advances in transaction card technology have made transactions lessburdensome for users when making transactions with transaction cards atATMs, payment card readers, transit gates, and other terminals. Despitesuch advancements, terminals are inconsistent in providing users withprompts and updates related to the status of a transaction. As anexample, with respect to payment terminals, a user may sometimes beunaware that a payment transaction is still progressing and remove theircard prematurely from the card reader. Thus, in such cases, a user mayneed to restart the transaction or reinsert their card, wasting time andresources and causing much frustration. These and other drawbacks exist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention relate to systems and methods for facilitatinga transaction status indication or other indication on a transactioncard by causing one or more portions of the transaction card to be aspecific illumination or color when the transaction card is in aspecific state.

In some embodiments, a transaction card may include circuitry, a changeelement, or other components. In some embodiments, the circuitry of thetransaction card may determine a state of the transaction card (e.g.,while the transaction card is powered by a terminal processing atransaction associated with the transaction card). The circuitry maygenerate a signal related to a color based on the state of thetransaction card and cause the signal to be transmitted to the changeelement. In some embodiments, the change element may be configured suchthat the change element causes one or more edges or other portions ofthe transaction card to be (i) a first color in response to the signalbeing a first signal and (ii) a second color in response to the signalbeing a second signal. As an example, the portions of the transactioncard may turn red when the signal is a first voltage, and the portionsof the transaction card may turn green when the signal is a secondvoltage different from the first voltage.

Various other aspects, features, and advantages of the inventions willbe apparent through the detailed description of the invention and thedrawings attached hereto. It is also to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and not restrictive of the scope of the inventions. As used inthe specification and in the claims, the singular forms of “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. In addition, as used in the specification and the claims, theterm “or” means “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show transaction tokens configured to facilitateindication-related detectable changes, in accordance with one or moreembodiments.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a system that includes a transaction token and atransaction terminal configured to facilitate indication-relateddetectable changes, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method of facilitating indication-relatedillumination or color changes at a transaction token, in accordance withone or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method of facilitating indication-relateddetectable changes at a transaction token, in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments of the invention. It will beappreciated, however, by those having skill in the art that theembodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specificdetails or with an equivalent arrangement. In other cases, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show examples of a transaction token 100. In someembodiments, the transaction token 100 may be configured to use a signalrelated to an illumination or color to cause one or more edges or otherportions of the transaction token 100 to exhibit the illumination orcolor. As an example, the portions of the transaction token 100 mayexhibit (i) a first illumination or color in response to the signalbeing a first signal (e.g., a first voltage or other signal), (ii) asecond illumination or color in response to the signal being a secondsignal (e.g., a second voltage or other signal), (iii) a thirdillumination or color in response to the signal being a third signal(e.g., a third voltage or other signal), or (iv) other illumination orcolor in response to the signal being some other signal.

In some embodiments, the transaction token 100 may generate the signal(which causes the portions of the transaction token 100 to exhibit theillumination or color) based on a state associated with the transactiontoken 100. As an example, the associated state may include a state ofthe transaction token 100 (e.g., being read, not being read, receivingcommunication, not receiving communication, or other token state), astatus of a transaction associated with the transaction token 100 (e.g.,transaction error, transaction in progress, transaction complete, orother transaction status), or other state associated with thetransaction token 100. In this way, for example, the illumination orcolor (or other detectable change) on the transaction token 100 itself(e.g., transaction card) may help provide a more intuitive indication toa user. As an example, one or more portions of a credit, debit, or otherpayment card may exhibit a red color when the payment card is beingprocessed and should not be removed. However, when the payment card isno longer being processed and should be removed, the portions of thepayment card may exhibit a green color (as opposed to the red color).

In some embodiments, each transaction token 100 may be configured toindicate the status of a transaction associated with a transaction token100 at a terminal (e.g., terminal 204 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B).The transaction token 100 may be any token configured to provide paymentinformation or other transaction-related information to a terminal. Insome embodiments, the transaction token 100 may be a transaction card,such as a credit card, a debit card, a payment card, a wallet card, asmart card, a transit pass, or other transaction card. In someembodiments, the transaction token 100 may be a tag, a mobile phone, awearable device, or other device.

The transaction token 100 may have a given length, width, and thickness.In some embodiments, the transaction token 100 may have a length of80-87 millimeters, a width of 50-57 millimeters, and a thickness of0.6-0.8 millimeters. In some embodiments, the transaction token 100 mayhave a maximum thickness of 1 millimeter. As an example, the transactiontoken 100 may have dimensions that are typical of credit, debit, orother payment cards.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a transaction token 100 may include achange element 104, circuitry 106, or other components. In someembodiments, the change element, the circuitry 106, or other componentsof the transaction token 100 may be embedded in the transaction token100. It should be noted that, while one or more operations are describedherein as being performed by particular components of the transactiontoken 100, those operations may, in some embodiments, be performed byother components of the transaction token 100, components of atransaction terminal (e.g., terminal 204 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and2B), or other components. As an example, while one or more operationsare described herein as being performed by the circuitry 106, thoseoperations may, in some embodiments, be performed by components of atransaction terminal (e.g., terminal 204 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and2B). It should be noted that, although some embodiments are describedherein with respect to illumination or color change, other detectablechange to one or more portions of the transaction token 100 (e.g.,change in texture, size, shape, etc.) may be implemented in lieu of orin addition to illumination or color change.

In some embodiments, the circuitry 106 of the transaction token 100 maybe configured to determine a state of the transaction token 100. As anexample, the circuitry 106 may determine whether or not the transactiontoken 100 is being read by the transaction terminal 204. In someembodiments, the state of the transaction token 100 may correspond tothe status of a transaction associated with the transaction token 100.For example, when the state of the transaction token 100 is that thetransaction token 100 is being read (e.g., currently being read or hasnot been read within a predetermined threshold amount of time), thestatus of the transaction may be “in progress.” When the state of thetransaction token 100 is that the transaction token 100 is not beingread (e.g., has not been read for at least the predetermined thresholdamount of time), the status of the transaction may be “complete.”

By way of example, the circuitry 106 may include a signal generator, aprocessor, a memory, a receiver, a transmitter, or other electricalcomponents. In some embodiments, the change element 104 may be embeddedin the transaction token 100 or located on the transaction token 100. Insome embodiments, one or more edges (FIG. 1A), designs (FIG. 1B), orother portions of the transaction token 100 may include one or morechange elements 104. For example, FIG. 1A illustrates that one or morechange elements 104 is located at one or more edges of the transactiontoken 100. In another example, FIG. 1B illustrates that at least part ofthe change element 104 forms a shape design on the transaction token100. While FIG. 1B illustrates that at least part of the change element104 forms a particular shape, it is to be understood that it may be anyshape or design. As a further example, the edges may border thetransaction token 100 or a feature located on the transaction token 100.As a further example, the designs may be any logo or pattern.

In some embodiments, the circuitry 106 of the transaction token 100 maydetermine a state of a transaction associated with a transaction token100 based on interactions between the transaction token 100 and aterminal processing a transaction associated with the transaction token100. For example, such interactions may include the transaction token100 receiving power or communications from the transaction terminal 204.In some embodiments, the circuitry 106 of the transaction token 100 mayinterface with the communication port of the terminal to engage ininteractions between the transaction token 100 and a terminal. In someembodiments, communications may include data transmissions or commandsthat the transaction token 100 receives from the transaction terminal204. In one use case, in response to the transaction token 100 receivinga command from the transaction terminal 204 (e.g., a command to sendcredit card data to the transaction terminal 204), the circuitry 106 maydetermine that the transaction token is in a first state (e.g., a stateof being read). In response to the transaction token 100 receiving aconfirmation of payment from the transaction terminal 204, the circuitry106 may determine that the transaction token 100 is in a second state(e.g., a state of no longer being read by the transaction terminal 204).

In some embodiments, the circuitry 106 may be configured to generate asignal based on the state of the transaction token 100 and cause thesignal to be transmitted to the change element 104. In some embodiments,a signal may be an electric potential in volts, and the signal maycorrespond to a specific illumination or color. As an example, thecircuitry 106 may generate a first signal (e.g., a first voltage signal)based on a determination that the state of the transaction token 100 isa first state, and the circuitry 106 may generate a second signal (e.g.,a second voltage signal different from the first voltage signal) basedon a determination that the state of the transaction token is a secondstate. In one use case, if the transaction token is being read by thetransaction terminal 204, the circuitry 106 may generate a first voltage(e.g., X volts) corresponding to a first illumination or color (e.g.,red, indicating that the status of the transaction is in progress andthat the transaction token 100 should not be removed from thetransaction terminal 204). On the other hand, if the transaction is nolonger being read by the transaction terminal 204, the circuitry 106 maygenerate a second voltage (e.g., Y volts) corresponding to a secondillumination or color (e.g., green, indicating that the status of thetransaction is complete or that the transaction token 100 may be removedfrom the transaction terminal 204).

In some embodiments, the change element 104 may be configured to causeone or more portions of the transaction token 100 to change color orilluminate in response to the signal. As an example, the edges of thetransaction card may turn red when the signal is a first signal (e.g., afirst voltage signal), and the edges of the transaction card may turngreen when the signal is a second signal (e.g., a second voltagesignal). In some embodiments, other portions (other than or in additionto the edges) of the transaction token 100 may change color orilluminate in response to signals corresponding to a specific color orillumination.

In some embodiments, the change element 104 may include electrochromicmaterial or other chromogenic material, such as a metal oxide,conjugated polymer, transition metal complex, viologen, a metalhexacyanometallate, or other material. In some embodiments, the changeelement 104 may include electroactive material that exhibitsillumination or color changes based on a stimulus provided by thecircuitry 106, such as an electrical potential of a specified voltage.In some embodiments, the change element 104 includes electrochromicmaterial deposited on a substrate of the transaction token 100. In someembodiments, the change element 104 may include electrodes, mirrors,conductive films, or electrolyte layers. In some embodiments, the changeelement 104 may include a light emitting diode (LED) element. In someembodiments, the change element 104 may include other materials orcomponents that produces one or more other detectable changes in one ormore portions of the transaction token 100, such as a change in texture,temperature, size, shape, or other detectable change. For example, suchmaterials may include tactile electroactive polymers that exhibit achange in size or shape when stimulated by an electric field.

In some embodiments, after the portions of the transaction token 100 arecaused to be an illumination or color based on a signal generated by thecircuitry 106 (e.g., a voltage signal being generated based on a stateof the transaction token 100), the circuitry 106 may provide the changeelement 104 with another signal (e.g., another voltage signal differentfrom the previous voltage signal) to reverse the change in illuminationor color of the portions to an initial illumination or color differentfrom the current illumination or color. For example, the initialillumination or color may be colorless, white, or neutral, or noillumination.

In some embodiments, the portions of the transaction token 100 thatexhibit an illumination, a color, or other detectable change (e.g.,based on voltage or other generated signals) may include indicia (e.g.,a logo, name, slogan, or other indicia) on the transaction token 100. Asan example, the indicia may include identification informationassociated with owner of the transaction token 100 or institutionservicing the transaction token 100.

FIG. 2A shows a transaction system 200 configured to facilitateindication-related detectable changes, in accordance with one or moreembodiments. As shown in FIG. 2A, transaction system 200 may include atransaction token 100, transaction terminal 204, or other components.FIG. 2A shows wired operation of the transaction token 100, where thetransaction token 100 comes in contact with the transaction terminal204. FIG. 2B shows wireless operation of the transaction token 100,where the transaction token 100 does not come into direct contact withthe transaction terminal 204 and is within a communication range 202 ofthe transaction terminal 204.

By way of example, the transaction terminal 204 may be any terminal thatprocesses transactions. In some embodiments, the transaction terminal204 may be an ATM, card readers, transit gates, a toll booth, a devicerestricting entry, mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet, acomputer, a virtual terminal, a point-of-sale system, a wireless device,or other electronic systems. In some embodiments, transactionsassociated with transaction token 100 and the transaction terminal 204may include payments, deposits, access to one or more areas (e.g., arestricted area, public transit, etc.), access to data (e.g., access toa secure virtual environment), or other activities related totransactions.

With respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, transaction token 100 may engage ininteractions 206 with the transaction terminal 204 or other componentsof transaction system 200. In some embodiments, the various systemsillustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B may include one or more devices that areprogrammed to perform the functions described herein. The systems mayinclude one or more electronic storages, one or more physical processorsprogrammed with one or more computer program instructions, one or moreservers, and/or other components. The systems may include communicationlines or ports to enable the exchange of information within a network(e.g., a credit card network) or other computing platforms via wired orwireless techniques (e.g., Ethernet, fiber optics, coaxial cable, WiFi,Bluetooth, near field communication, or other technologies). The systemsmay include a plurality of hardware, software, and/or firmwarecomponents operating together. For example, the transaction terminals204 may be implemented by a cloud of computing platforms operatingtogether as the terminals.

In some embodiments, the transaction token 100 may engage ininteractions 206 with the transaction terminal 204 by being in directcontact with the transaction terminal 204. In some embodiments, thetransaction token 100 may engage in interactions 200 with thetransaction terminal 204, when the transaction token is within a certaincommunication range 202 (e.g., up to 5 inches or other communicationrange).

In some embodiments, the interactions 206 may be unidirectional orbidirectional between the transaction token 100 and the transactionterminal 204. In some embodiments, interactions 206 may include thetransaction token 100 being powered by the transaction terminal 204. Insome embodiments, the interactions 206 may include the transaction token100 receiving communications from the transaction terminal 204, such asa data transmission or a command. As an example, a data transmission maybe a confirmation of successful payment transmitted from the transactionterminal 204 to the transaction token 100. As a further example, thecommand may be a protocol parameter selection command transmitted fromthe transaction terminal 204 to the transaction token 100. In someembodiments, the interactions 206 may include communications transmittedfrom the transaction token 100 to the transaction terminal, such as adata transmission or a request. As an example, a data transmission maybe credit card details transmitted from the transaction token 100 to thetransaction terminal 204. As a further example, a request may be arequest to make a payment from the transaction token 100 to thetransaction terminal 204.

In some embodiments, the transaction token 100 may determine a state ofthe transaction token 100 from the interactions 206 between thetransaction token 100 and the transaction terminal 204. As an example, afirst state that the transaction token 100 is being read by thetransaction terminal 204 may be determined from the interaction 200being an activation sequence or a payment request that is transmittedfrom the transaction terminal 204 to the transaction token 100. As afurther example, a second state that the transaction token 100 is notbeing read by the transaction terminal 204 may be determined from theinteraction 200 being a data transmission regarding confirmation ofpayment transmitted from the transaction terminal 204 to the transactiontoken 100.

It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the interactions 206(e.g., power or communications) are not necessary for the transactiontoken 100 to determine a state of the transaction token 100. As anexample, the circuitry 106 may determine the state of the transactiontoken 100 from a transaction token 100's internal processes. In one usecase, the circuitry 106 may detect that a specific internal process ofthe transaction token 100 is being conducted (e.g., that certain programcode from the transaction token 100's memory is running) and determinethat the state of the card is being read by the transaction terminal204.

In some embodiments, the transaction terminal 204 may transmitinformation related to a signal to the transaction token 100 to cause adetectable change to one or more portions of the transaction token 100.As an example, the transaction terminal 204 may transmit informationindicating the signal (e.g., a specific voltage) that is to be generatedby the transaction token 100. As an example, upon obtaining theinformation indicating the voltage, the transaction token 100 may causethe voltage to be provided to electrochromic material on the transactiontoken 100, thereby causing the electrochromic material to become anillumination or color corresponding to the voltage.

In one scenario, the transaction terminal 204 may determine theillumination or color or the signal corresponding to the illumination orcolor. In some embodiments, an interaction 206 from the transactionterminal 204 may cause the circuitry 106 of the transaction token 100 togenerate a signal associated with a particular illumination or color. Asan example, the transaction terminal 204 may send the circuitry 106 acommand that the signal should be a first signal associated with a redcolor (e.g., a first voltage of X volts), a command that the signalshould be a second signal associated with a green color (e.g., a secondvoltage of Y volts), or other command. As another example, thetransaction terminal 204 may determine the signal (to be generated bythe transaction token 100) based on a state of the transaction token 100or transaction terminal 204, a status of a transaction associated withthe transaction token 100, or other information. Upon suchdetermination, the transaction terminal 204 may transmit a commandspecifying the signal to the transaction token 100.

In another scenario, the transaction terminal 204 may determine thestate of the transaction token 100 and transmit information indicatingthe state to the transaction token 100, and the transaction token 100may generate the signal corresponding to the illumination or color basedon the indicated state. For example, based on the transaction token 100requesting the initiation of a payment, the transaction terminal 204 maypredict the transaction to be in a first state (e.g., a state of beingread) and provide the prediction to the transaction terminal 100. In afurther scenario, the transaction terminal 204 may determine the stateof the transaction token 100 and then determine the illumination orcolor or the corresponding signal based on the determined state.

In some embodiments, the transaction system 200 may include atransaction processing server (e.g., a remote server or other serverwith which the transaction terminal 204 interacts), and the transactionprocessing server may transmit information indicating a signal to thetransaction terminal 204 to cause a detectable change to one or moreportions of the transaction token 100. As an example, the transactionprocessing server may determine the illumination or color to beexhibited at the transaction token 100 or the signal corresponding tothe illumination or color, and send a command to the transactionterminal 204 to forward to the transaction token 100 to cause itsexhibition of the illumination or color. In one use case, thetransaction processing server may generate and send commands viatechniques similar to those described in the foregoing scenario withrespect to the generation of such commands by the transaction terminal204. In some embodiments, the transaction token 100 may directlyinteract with the transaction processing server without the transactionterminal 204 as an intermediary to determine or transmit a signal, withthe transaction processing server determining and transmitting thesignal to the transaction token 100.

FIG. 3 shows an example flowchart of processing operations of a method300 that facilitating indication-related illumination or color changesat a transaction token, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Theprocessing operations of the method presented in FIG. 3 is intended tobe illustrative and non-limiting. In some embodiments, for example, themethods may be accomplished with one or more additional operations notdescribed, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed.Additionally, the order in which the processing operations of themethods are illustrated (and described below) is not intended to belimiting.

In some embodiments, at 300, a transaction is initiated by a user at atransaction terminal 204, and the circuitry 106 of the transaction token100 associated with a transaction begins to engage in interactions 206with the transaction terminal. In some embodiments, interactions 206 mayinclude: power received by the transaction token 100 from thetransaction terminal 204; a command that the transaction token 100receives from the transaction terminal 204; or a data transmission thatthe transaction token 100 receives from the transaction terminal 204.

In some embodiments, at 302, the circuitry 106 determines the state ofthe transaction token 100 during the transaction. As an example, Forexample, the state of the transaction token 100 may be: (1) a firststate in which the token is being read by the transaction terminal 204;(2) a second state in which the token is not being read by thetransaction terminal 204, or (3) other state. In some embodiments, thestate of the transaction token 100 may be determined based on theinteractions 206 between the transaction token 100 and the transactionterminal 204.

In some embodiments, a specific state may be associated with a specificinteraction 206 between the transaction token 100 and the transactionterminal 204 during the transaction. For example, a state that thetransaction token 100 is being read by the transaction terminal may beassociated with an interaction 206 that is a command from thetransaction terminal 204 to provide credit card information. In afurther example, a state that the transaction token is being read by thetransaction terminal may be associated with an interaction 206 that isan electric charge from the transaction terminal 204. In a furtherexample, if the interaction 206 is a command by the transaction terminal204 to activate the transaction token 100, the state may be determinedto be a first state that is associated with the token being read by thetransaction terminal 204. In a further example, if the interaction 206is a data transmission confirming payment, the state may be determinedto be a second state that is the token not being read by the transactionterminal 204. In a further example, if the interaction 206 is a commandto terminate payment, the state may be determined to be a second statethat is the token not being read by the transaction terminal 204.

In some embodiments, at 304, the circuitry 106 may generate the signalbased on the state of the transaction token 100. For example, the signalmay be an electrical potential, such as a specified voltage. In someembodiments, based on the state being a first state (e.g., that thetransaction token 100 is being read by the transaction terminal 204),the signal may be a first signal (e.g., a first voltage of X volts). Insome embodiments, based on the state being a second state (e.g., thatthe transaction token 100 is not being read by the transaction terminal204), the signal may be a second signal (e.g., a second voltage of Yvolts). In some embodiments, the signal may be a stimulus that causes anillumination or color change by a change element 104. In someembodiments, the signal may be a specific signal associated with aspecific color based on a specific state of the token.

In some embodiments, at 306, the change element 104 receives a signalfrom the circuitry 106. In some embodiments, the signal transmitted tothe change element 104 from the circuitry 106 is an electric potential(e.g., a specified voltage). For example, if the change element 104includes an electrochromic element, the first signal may be an electricpotential of a first voltage that corresponds to a red color, and asecond signal may be an electric potential of a second voltage thatcorresponds to a green color. In some embodiments, the signal may be astimulus that causes one or more other detectable changes in one or moreportions of the transaction token 100. In some embodiments, the signalmay cause one or more portions of the transaction token 100 to exhibit adetectable change, such as a color, light production, texture, size,shape, or other change detectable by a user of the transaction token100.

In some embodiments, at 308, based on the signal, at least one or moreportions of the transaction token 100 may be caused by the changeelement 104 to change in color. In some embodiments, the color indicatesa status of the transaction to the user of the transaction token 100 ata transaction terminal 204. For example, a red color may indicate thatthe status of the transaction is in progress, and a green color mayindicate that the status of the transaction is complete.

FIG. 4 shows an example flowchart of processing operations of a method400 that facilitating indication-related detectable changes at atransaction token, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Theprocessing operations of the method presented in FIG. 4 are intended tobe illustrative and non-limiting. In some embodiments, the methods maybe accomplished with one or more additional operations not described,and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally,the order in which the processing operations are illustrated (anddescribed below) is not intended to be limiting.

In an operation 402, a transaction token receives power orcommunications during a transaction. As an example, the transaction mayinclude payments, deposits, access to one or more areas (e.g., arestricted area, public transit, etc.), access to data (e.g., access toa secure virtual environment), or other activities related totransactions. The token may receive a small charge to power the tokenduring the transaction from the terminal. Communications may includedata transmissions or commands, such as requests to provide credit cardinformation. In some embodiments, operation 402 may be caused by contactbetween the token and terminal or with a wireless connection. Forexample, the token may be inside a terminal's input slot, or held ashort distance near the terminal. Operation 402 may be performed by acomponent that is the same as or similar to the circuitry 106, inaccordance with one or more embodiments.

In an operation 404, a state of the transaction token is determined. Insome embodiments, the state is determined based on the token receivingpower or communications, such as commands and data transmissions, fromthe terminal. By way of example, the state of the token may include (i)a first state in which the token is being read by the terminal, (ii) asecond state in which the token is not being read by the terminal, or(iii) other state. In a further example, if the token is currently beingread or has been read within a predetermined threshold amount of time(e.g., 10 milliseconds, 1 second, 5 seconds, etc.), it may be determinedthat the state of the token is that the token is being read by theterminal. In a further example, if the token has not been read withinthe predetermined threshold amount of time, it may be determined thatthe state of the token is that the token is not being read by theterminal. Operation 404 may be performed by a component that is the sameas or similar to the circuitry 106, in accordance with one or moreembodiments.

In an operation 406, a signal related to a detectable change isgenerated. In some embodiments, the signal may be generated based on thestate of the token in operation 404. By example, if the token isdetermined to be in a first state (e.g., a state of being read by theterminal), the signal may be a first signal (e.g., a first voltage)related to a first color (e.g., red). In a further example, if the tokenis determined to be in a second state (e.g., a state of not being readby the terminal), the signal may be a second signal (e.g., a secondvoltage) related to a second color (e.g., green).

In an operation 408, based on the signal being a first signal, one ormore portions of the token is caused to produce a first detectablechange. For example, if the signal was a first signal of a firstspecified voltage in operation 406, one or more portions of the tokenmay be caused to be a first color of red in operation 408. In someembodiments, a first color indicates that the status of the transactionis in progress and the user may not terminate usage of the token. Insome embodiments, after the portions of the token is caused to produce adetectable change, the portions of the token may be caused to reversethe detectable change. For example, reversing the detectable change of ared or green color may result in a color that is colorless, white, orneutral, or no illumination. Operation 408 may be performed by a changeelement that is the same or similar to a change element 104, inaccordance with one or more embodiments.

In an operation 410, based on the signal being a second signal, one ormore portions of the token is caused to produce a second detectablechange. For example, if the signal was a second signal of Y volts inoperation 406, one or more portions of the token may be caused to be asecond color of green in operation 410. In some embodiments, a secondcolor indicates that the status of the transaction is complete and auser of the token during a transaction may terminate usage of the token.In some embodiments, after the portions of the token are caused toproduce a second detectable change, the portions of the token may becaused to reverse the detectable change. For example, reversing thedetectable change of a green color may result in a color that iscolorless, white, or neutral, or no illumination. Operation 412 may beperformed by a change element that is the same or similar to a changeelement 104, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Although the present invention has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood thatsuch detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intendedto cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within thescope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood thatthe present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one ormore features of any embodiment can be combined with one or morefeatures of any other embodiment.

The present techniques will be better understood with reference to thefollowing enumerated embodiments:

1. A method comprising: generating, by a token, a signal related to adetectable change; and causing, by the token, the detectable change toone or more portions of the token based on the signal.

2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the token comprises circuitry anda change element.

3. The method of embodiment 2, wherein the signal is generated by thecircuitry of the token.

4. The method of any of embodiments 2-3, further comprising:transmitting, by the circuitry, the signal to the change element;wherein the change element causes the detectable change.

5. The method of any of embodiments 2-4, wherein the change elementcomprises any material that produces a detectable change in response toa signal (e.g., a tactile element comprising an electroactive polymer).

6. The method of any of embodiments 2-5, wherein the change elementcomprises (1) an electrochromic element that includes a metal oxide,conjugated polymer, transition metal complex, viologen, or a metalhexacyanometallate or (2) a light-emitting diode element.7. The method of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the signal comprises avoltage or other stimulus that causes the one or more portions of thetoken to produce the detectable change.8. The method of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the signal isassociated with a specific color or illumination.9. The method of any of embodiments 1-8, wherein the signal is (1) afirst signal associated with a first color or illumination; or (2) asecond signal associated with a second color or illumination.10. The method of any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the signal is based ona state of the token.11. The method of any of embodiments 2-10, further comprising:determining, by the circuitry, the state of the token as being: (1) astate of being read by a terminal; or (2) a state of not being read by aterminal.12. The method of any of embodiments 2-11, further comprising:generating, by the circuitry, a change reversal signal after thedetectable change is caused to the one or more portions of the token;and causing, by the token, the detectable change to be reversed in theone or more portions of the token based on the change reversal signal.13. The method of any of embodiments 1-12, wherein the detectable changecomprises any change to the one or more portions of the token that isdetectable to a user of the token, such as illumination, texture,temperature, size, shape, or other property of the one or more portionsof the token.14. The method of any of embodiments 1-13, wherein the detectable changeis associated with an indication of the status of the token as being “inprogress” or “complete.”15. The method of any of embodiments 2-14, wherein the one or moreportions of the token comprises the change element.16. The method of any of embodiments 1-15, wherein the one or moreportions of the token comprise one or more edges, shapes, or logos ofthe token.17. The method of any of embodiments 1-16, wherein the token comprises acredit card, a debit card, a transit pass, an access card, a mobiledevice, a wearable device, a wireless device, or other user devices.18. The method of any of embodiments 1-17, wherein the signal isgenerated by the transaction token during powering of the transactiontoken by a terminal processing a transaction associated with thetransaction token, and wherein the terminal comprises a transactionterminal, an access point, or other device.19. A tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media storinginstructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus toeffectuate operations comprising those of any of embodiments 1-18.20. A system comprising: one or more processors; and memory storinginstructions that, when executed by the processors, cause the processorsto effectuate operations comprising those of any of embodiments 1-18.

21. An apparatus (e.g., token) that performs the operations of any ofembodiments 1-18.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transaction card comprising: circuitry embeddedin the transaction card; and an electrochromic element that is at leastpart of one or more edges of the transaction card; wherein the circuitryis configured to: determine a state of the transaction card while thetransaction card is powered by a terminal processing a transactionassociated with the transaction card; generate a signal related to acolor based on the state of the transaction card such that the signalis: a first signal in response to the state being a first statecorresponding to a first status of the transaction processed by theterminal; a second signal in response to the state being a second statecorresponding to a second status of the transaction; and cause thesignal to be transmitted to the electrochromic element; wherein theelectrochromic element is configured such that the electrochromicelement causes the one or more edges to be (i) a first color in responseto the signal being the first signal and (ii) a second color differentfrom the first color in response to the signal being the second signal.2. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the transaction cardcomprises a credit card, a debit card, a travel pass, or a payment card.3. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the electrochromic elementis configured such that the electrochromic element causes the one ormore edges to be (i) the first color in response to the signal being thefirst signal, (ii) the second color in response to the signal being thesecond signal, and (iii) a third color different from the first andsecond colors in response to the signal being a third signal.
 4. Thetransaction card of claim 1, wherein the electrochromic elementcomprises a metal oxide, conjugated polymer, transition metal complex,viologen, or a metal hexacyanometallate.
 5. A method comprising:generating, by circuitry embedded in a transaction card, a signalrelated to an illumination or color based on a state of the transactioncard, the signal being generated during powering of the transaction cardsuch that the signal is: (i) a first signal in response to the statebeing a first state corresponding to a first status of a transactionprocessed by a terminal; (ii) a second signal in response to the statebeing a second state corresponding to a second status of thetransaction; and providing, by the circuitry, the signal to a lightemitting element such that the light emitting element becomes (i) afirst illumination or color in response to the signal being the firstsignal and (ii) a second illumination or color in response to the signalbeing the second signal.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein thetransaction card comprises a credit card, a debit card, a travel pass,or a payment card.
 7. The method of claim 5, further comprising:determining, by the circuitry, the state of the transaction card, thestate of the transaction card being determined during the powering ofthe transaction card, wherein generating the signal comprisesgenerating, by the circuitry, the signal based on the state of thetransaction card.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the light emittingelement becomes a third illumination or color in response to the signalbeing a third signal.
 9. The method of claim 5, wherein the lightemitting element becomes (i) a first color in response to the signalbeing the first signal and (ii) a second color in response to the signalbeing the second signal.
 10. The method of claim 5, wherein the lightemitting element becomes (i) a first illumination in response to thesignal being the first signal and (ii) a second illumination in responseto the signal being the second signal.
 11. The method of claim 5,wherein the light emitting element comprises one or more edges of thetransaction card, and wherein the one or more edges becomes (i) thefirst illumination or color in response to the signal being the firstsignal and (ii) the second illumination or color in response to thesignal being the second signal.
 12. The method of claim 5, wherein thelight emitting element comprises a logo, and wherein the light emittingelement causes the logo to be (i) the first illumination or color inresponse to the signal being the first signal and (ii) the secondillumination or color in response to the signal being the second signal.13. The method of claim 5, wherein the light emitting element comprisesan electrochromic element, and wherein the electrochromic elementcomprises a metal oxide, conjugated polymer, transition metal complex,viologen, or a metal hexacyanometallate.
 14. One or morecomputer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by oneor more processors of a transaction card, cause operations comprising:generating a signal related to an illumination or color based on a stateof the transaction card, the signal being generated during powering ofthe transaction card such that the signal is: (i) a first signal inresponse to the state being a first state corresponding to a firststatus of a transaction processed by a terminal; (ii) a second signal inresponse to the state being a second state corresponding to a secondstatus of the transaction; and providing the signal to a light emittingelement such that the light emitting element becomes (i) a firstillumination or color in response to the signal being the first signaland (ii) a second illumination or color in response to the signal beingthe second signal.
 15. The media of claim 14, wherein the transactioncard comprises a credit card, a debit card, a travel pass, or a paymentcard.
 16. The media of claim 14, the operations further comprising:determining the state of the transaction card, the state of thetransaction card being determined during the powering of the transactioncard, wherein generating the signal comprises generating the signalbased on the state of the transaction card.
 17. The media of claim 14,wherein the light emitting element becomes a third illumination or colorin response to the signal being a third signal.
 18. The media of claim14, wherein the light emitting element becomes (i) a first color inresponse to the signal being the first signal and (ii) a second color inresponse to the signal being the second signal.
 19. The media of claim14, wherein the light emitting element becomes (i) a first illuminationin response to the signal being the first signal and (ii) a secondillumination in response to the signal being the second signal.
 20. Themedia of claim 14, wherein the light emitting element comprises anelectrochromic element, and wherein the electrochromic element comprisesone or more edges of the transaction card, wherein the one or more edgesbecomes (i) the first illumination or color in response to the signalbeing the first signal and (ii) the second illumination or color inresponse to the signal being the second signal.